Because their championship-winning first team are already in the top flight, Tavern Reserves have effectively climbed as far as they can in the league and will not be able to gain promotion from the Premier Division under their current name.

This has proved to be a problem in the past as Tavern have started seasons exceptionally well, but fallen by the wayside as the realisation that promotion is impossible sets in.

But the side have already shown that they would be more than a match for many in the Senior Division.

Last week they took the first team into extra time in their Tilehurst Charity Cup semi-final, despite playing the second half with just 10 men, and felt aggrieved when they went behind in the second period of extra time to a goal that had a hint of offside to it.

They also demolished senior strugglers South Stoke 9-2 in the early round of the same competition this season.

Following Sunday’s 4-2 defeat of Shinfield RBL, Tavern Res moved up to second in the table, four points behind leaders Cholsey United.

But that gap could be cut to just a single point this weekend as Tavern travel to face their Oxfordshire rivals.

Should Tavern Res earn the right to promotion, Medford insists that he will do everything he can to try and get his side into the top flight. But his plans could be scuppered by the league.

“Although this is only my first year as a manager, I believe we are good enough (to go up),” said Medford.

“I think we can win this league if we knuckle down and I want to show the next league up what we’re about.

“We’re competing against them at the moment and there’s no reason why we can’t go a few rounds with the big boys.

“I’m definitely going to change the name, whether we finish in the promotion positions this season or stay in the division.

Medford is unsure how the League will react to his proposal. “I can’t see the league agreeing to it though, not this season anyway,” he added.